Students making commitment to complete college degrees

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The Daily Ardmoreite

Posted Nov. 19, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Posted Nov. 19, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Murray State College students in both Tishomingo and Ardmore are committing to complete their degrees.

In order to increase student retention rates, the MSC Phi Theta Kappa Chapter set up tables on each campus over the past two weeks to have students participate in the National PTK Community College Completion Corps.

Students signed a pledge to commit to planning to complete a degree, seeking advisement and encouraging other students to do the same.

"It went really well. We've had a good turnout," says Victoria Yates, Tishomingo, chapter vice president of service.

To encourage students to take the pledge, PTK members hung ribbons around campus, wrote messages on the sidewalks and had professors speak about their own college experiences.

Tables were then set up on both campuses where students could sign the pledge and banner, collect C4 memorabilia and look up services on campus that offer help with various issues on campus.

The banners will be displayed in the campus libraries and at commencement ceremonies. Once a student graduates, a star will be placed next to their name on the banner.

Administrators, faculty and staff have also been asked to sign the pledge, committing themselves to do whatever they can to facilitate completion of student credentials.

If students missed the table displays but want to sign, they can contact a PTK member.

The PTK chapter plans to have C4 events during each fall and spring semester.

Yates was one of the first to sign the banner. The psychology major is on track to graduate in May.

"I want to work in drug court after I get my bachelor's and master's at East Central," she says.